Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

How do you "treat" yourself if you don't use food?

86 replies

BridlingtonSand · 14/03/2019 09:10

I don't smoke, drink or do drugs. If I'm having a tough day I use chocolate or Diet Coke to 'treat' myself. I have, once again, quit Diet Coke.

I don't want to turn to either of these again, so what do you healthy, sorted people do when you're having a tough day at work? Or your train is delayed and you're cold and tired and want to be at home? Or you're feeling sad?

OP posts:
ringalinger · 14/03/2019 10:27

I search on Instagram for something indulgent (houseplants or crafts or something) and then just fall into an indulgent hole of looking at beautiful things for a while.

ILiveInSalemsLot · 14/03/2019 10:32

The last few things I treated myself to were
A posh brand of coffee
A nice mug
A nice bar of soap
Books
A face mask
A bike ride

Disfordarkchocolate · 14/03/2019 10:37

Books, if I don't have one in my bag I buy a new one so I now have a big pile of books to read through. I like a bit of tv in peace too, something like a Poirot or Miss Marple. A bath listening to a good drama on Radio 4 is another one. I treat myself a bit too much, to be honest.

TheTurnOfTheScrew · 14/03/2019 10:38

fresh flowers (just cheap ones, from the supermarket)
home pedicure
a good long read - can be a much cheaper habit if you make use of your library/charity shops, or have an e-reader. I read a lot and can't remember the last time I spent more that £2 on a book unless I had a book token.
a hike in the park
and embarrassingly, belting out to karaoke videos on YouTube really lifts my spirits, although I need an empty house for that

NekoShiro · 14/03/2019 10:38

Make-up and skin care, feels like i'm treating myself while also practicing self care so its a win win

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 14/03/2019 11:03

Books, flowers/plants, something nice for the house (vase or candlestick), pretty pen, nail varnish.

SurgeHopper · 14/03/2019 11:31

I treat myself to coffee (americano with a splash of milk) and fancy shampoo and shower gels.

SurgeHopper · 14/03/2019 11:32

Ooh and clothes too.

tierraJ · 14/03/2019 11:45

I'm trying to cut down on Coke Zero it's really hard!!

So I treat myself to fizzy water with ice & mint.
Or a hot drink made with skimmed milk.

EEELA · 14/03/2019 11:50

I read a blog post a few months ago by a woman who is trying to shift her mindset to "treat" herself with healthy food. Example: "oh it's been a horrible day, I deserve something to make me feel good for dinner" etc. I'll try and find it to link it. I forgot until just now that I was going to try it myself Grin.

Stilllivinginazoo · 14/03/2019 11:59

I joined voracious readers.its free and I read books through my phone for free.in return I post reviews on Goodreads or Amazon which allows unknown authors to get off the ground.you can chose genres.ive read some crackers and you just pick n choose from emails of books offered which to download
I also find doing something nice for myself-paint toenails,meditate,any time of self care really.
It's still a habit I'm learning as I've got dreadful pull to eat sweet things when happy,sad,fed up etc.
Good luck op

Nixee2231 · 14/03/2019 12:06

I buy a trashy magazine that I would normally never waste the money on

emotionalaffair · 14/03/2019 12:07

Flowers (just daffodils will do), make up, skincare or a magazine.

AnnaNimmity · 14/03/2019 12:07

If i'm having a bad day, meditation really helps. I love my bedroom and just retreat there with a cup of tea. I do quite a lot of gratitudes and affirmations kind of stuff too which do help me.

if I can force myself out for a run, that helps too. especially if it's sunny outside.

If I'm out and about, I put on my headphones and listen to uplifting music.

In terms of treating myself. I love fresh flowers. A tidy house too. Clean bed linen. Stroking the dog. I had a tough year last year and really learned alot on how to improve bad moods.

And unfortunately, wine sometimes helps...

Original poster
BridlingtonSand · 14/03/2019 12:07

I treat myself a bit too much, to be honest.

Impossible! Smile

Re. treating with healthy food This works for me too, but a lovely salad is unfortunately not as widely available as snack food and a coke!

OP posts:
ShabbyAbby · 14/03/2019 12:37

A hot drink on a cold day, even a hot water with a slice of lemon can give you that warm feeling, plus putting the heating up a bit too high, and snuggling in slippers, dressing gown and a fleece blanket.

A hot bath.

Clean bedding.

My favourite washing liquid and conditioner. The smell is awesome.

A scented candle.

Lemon bleach Blush actually anything lemon scented.

Reading an old favourite book or poem, or buying myself a book I've been wanting to cheer myself up.

Getting my nails done. Getting my hair done or another treatment always feels like a chore, but I love getting my nails done for some reason. Feels more indulgent than, say, a leg wax or a hair cut.

Cuddling my children or being the tickle monster. Both bring me such joy. Plus they're free which is a bonus!

Doing something childlike like colouring or Lego. I don't do the adult versions, although I know they are popular. I use the kids stuff Blush

Settle in for a good thread on Mumsnet.

Look at photos or videos of my happiest times, like birthdays, holidays, etc.

Call or text a friend or loved one.

DarlingNikita · 14/03/2019 15:23

If books work for you (they're a treat, a comfort and a pick-me-up for me), use your library.

I love reserving books online. It's a lovely 'surprise' when the email arrives to say my book is ready to pick up. My library charges 50p per reservation, but that's nothing compared to buying them.

Pretamum · 14/03/2019 15:29

New books or cookbooks. New make up. The comforter bubble bar from Lush and an early night. But unfortunately it usually is chocolate / cake!

StormyLovesOdd · 14/03/2019 15:39

I'm trying to do this too, in the past I would always treat myself to a bar of chocolate, hense I ended up very overweight. I've lost most of the weight now but still struggle to change my mindset, emotional eating is really hard to change.

WhoKnewBeefStew · 14/03/2019 15:41

I take time out and watch a boxset. Currently watching Buffy (at age 46 and I think it’s ace) 😂

WFTisgoingoninmyhead · 14/03/2019 15:42

Shookethtothecore

Sorry to de ratline thread OP but how the hell did you learn this? I have wanted to learn this for 53 years, I have such a problem with emotional eating. I think the whole thread will want to know this.

WFTisgoingoninmyhead · 14/03/2019 15:42
  • derail
Thequaffle · 14/03/2019 15:44

Another vote here for beauty products and cosmetics. A new nail colour or a lip gloss

Fightthebear · 14/03/2019 15:46

MN

Another vote for looking at old videos on YouTube.

I watched Kate Bush ”Wuthering Heights” recently. She’s so out there, I found it really cheering.

Lobsterquadrille2 · 14/03/2019 16:02

My favourite food in the world is sushi - supermarket wise, M&S or Waitrose are the nicest. A sushi restaurant has just opened down the road from me and as long as you choose carefully eg salmon maki and miso soup, it's a massive treat for me without being unhealthy. I haven't been there yet but am having a rough week so have been looking at the menu this afternoon.

Otherwise I agree about the bath, with bubble bath and candles, then being wrapped in a blanket with a gorgeous purring cat on my neck.